Looking for gifts for history buffs or want to get something new and unique for yourself? Shop here for a wide selection of clothing, jewelry, books, collectibles and much more! All proceeds support our efforts to save the Hunley!
Feel what it was like to be a crew member!
Our guests have voted us a top-rated Charleston activity on Tripadvisor! A visit to the Hunley is the perfect destination for fun and educational activities for families. Here are just a few of the things you’ll see as you take a voyage of discovery with us …
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- The real Hunley in her 75,000-gallon tank
- Artifacts found during excavation
- The legendary gold coin that saved the Captain’s life
- Facial reconstructions of the crew
- Climb inside a Hunley model and enjoy interactive exhibits for all ages
Here’s what our visitors are saying…
The Science of Preservation
Hunley is a unique conservation challenge
Conserving the Hunley has demanded constant innovation. Years of submersion left her iron hull encased in a thick layer of corrosion, rust, and sand. Conservators carefully removed this encrustation with hand tools without damaging the fragile metal beneath. Each artifact—from Lt. George Dixon’s gold watch to the crew’s personal belongings—has required a unique scientific approach to ensure that it endures for generations to come.
NEWS
Get up-to-the-minute news on current events and our continuing restoration progress from the Hunley team.
Dive Deeper into the Mystery
Articles
Learn more here about the fascinating discoveries emerging from the Hunley project. These articles will take you through the science of the past, today and tomorrow…
Videos
Click here to visit our YouTube channel to get even more details. We have hours of content documenting our recovery and restoration journey.
Become a Member
WE NEED YOU TO HELP SAVE THE HUNLEY!
The Hunley became the world’s first successful combat submarine in 1864 and then mysteriously vanished. She was located in 1995 by New York Times best selling author Clive Cussler and was raised from the ocean floor in 2000. The Hunley was not only an important relic in Naval history but was also a time capsule holding a wide array of fascinating artifacts from the 19th century. We are working to save the Hunley, the artifacts found within and build a submarine naval museum where our nation’s story under the waves can be told for generations to come.
Standard Membership packages include: Annual subscription to The Blue Light Magazine, Discounted Tour Tickets, 10% Off Merchandise, Entrance to Annual Behind-the-Scenes Members-Only Tours, 1 Car Decal, and 1 Member Hat.
Will You Help Save the Hunley?
In 1995 Clive Cussler located the legendary submarine just off the coast of Charleston, South Carolina. In 2000, the Hunley was successfully raised and in 2001 an international team of scientists began the process of carefully excavating her contents at a high-tech laboratory facility in North Charleston. To complete this historic journey, we must depend on donations from those who care about history. Will you help?
Want to memorialize someone? If you wish for your donation to serve as a renewal of an existing membership or as a memorial, please send an email to membership@hunley.org letting us know how you’d like to apply your donation.
